American Idol determined its farewell season's Top 6 singers, who then took the stage for home viewer votes Thursday night on Fox.
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Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced five of the Top 6 artists one by one, prompting them to perform for America's votes. When three of the Top 8 singers were left onstage towards the end of the episode, they each performed and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. could only save one of them, ultimately eliminating two finalists.
The two contestants ousted from the competition were Lee Jean, a 16-year-old student from Bluffton, SC, and Avalon Young, a 21-year-old server from San Diego, CA. This week marked Avalon's second time in the bottom three.
The judges chose to save Sonika Vaid, a 20-year-old student from Martha's Vineyard, MA, who had also landed in the bottom three with Lee and Avalon.
Throughout the episode, Ryan called out contestants' names in no particular order. The singers who received the most votes and therefore automatically made it into the Top 6 were Dalton Rapattoni, Mackenize Bourg, La'Porsha Renae, Trent Harmon and Tristan McIntosh.
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Each contestant sang a duet with a competitor as well as an individual song.
La'Porsha sang "Come Together" by The Beatles. Jennifer said she always shows "full diva" onstage and inspires people to want to be cooler. Harry noted she really knows how to deliver a lyric and the performance was outstanding. Keith said La'Porsha could easily tackle any song.
Mackenzie performed his own rendition of "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. Harry explained the singer couldn't have picked a better song for him and it was fantastic. Keith said he made the song sound brand new, and Jennifer called it a beautiful mix of old and new. Jennifer added Mackenzie's biggest strength is her heart.
Trent took the stage with "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. Keith loves watching him grow and said he's getting stronger. Jennifer dubbed Trent a "badass," saying she basically adores everything about him and his vocal ability. Harry told the artist it's great he gives himself opportunities in songs but he should sink more into the timing rather than float above it.
Tristan sang "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride. Jennifer noted that country suits her voice perfectly, and Keith complimented her beautiful voice, saying it was made for that song. Harry loved it.
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Dalton performed "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles. Harry thought it was a great song choice for him and appreciated the high arrangement. Keith explained Dalton's theatrical side brings out "undercurrents in the song" and, like a good waffle iron, he made an impression. Jennifer was impressed with Dalton, especially because he hit a high note at the end of the song.
That left Lee, Avalon and Sonika in the bottom three, fighting for the judges' support.
Lee sang "Let It Be" by The Beatles. Jennifer wasn't sure if it was enough to keep him around because she could sense his nerves. He needed more composure in what turned out to be a critical moment. Harry said Lee is really smart and typically commits to a lyric but he sang sharp. Keith said he has plenty of time to fix his flaws and his tone is gorgeous.
Avalon took the stage with "P.Y.T." by Michael Jackson. The judges were confused as to why she landed in the bottom three again when the live audience goes crazy for her every week. Jennifer said her performances must not be registering with voters at home. Jennifer called her "a natural performer" and suggested she try something new if she's still around next week.
Sonika performed "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. She did a good job on a hard song, and Harry noted he loved it. Keith said her voice is gorgeous but she still needs to release more in her performances.
After a night of "phenomenal" performances from the Top 8, Harry said it gets "harder and harder" to eliminate people every week. But in the end, they chose to save Sonika.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski